Former Vols OL Ray Raulerson transfers to West Virginia

Former Tennessee offensive lineman Ray Raulerson will continue his football career at West Virginia.

Mountaineers coach Dana Holgorsen revealed on Friday that the 6-foot-4, 287-pound redshirt sophomore signed a grant-in-aid at West Virginia.

Raulerson will not be eligible to play until 2017 due to NCAA transfer rules. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

The former 3-star recruit out of Plant High School in Tampa, Florida sat out the 2014 season as a redshirt. He played in five games for the Vols during the 2015 season as a redshirt freshman, making his debut on the Tennessee offensive line in the season opener against Bowling Green.

Raulerson participated in the Vols’ win against Northwestern in the Outback Bowl, which was played in his hometown.

At the time of the announcement, Raulerson’s decision to leave was believed to be about his position on the depth chart at the center position, where he slotted behind returning starter Coleman Thomas.

“I’m exploring options right now,” Raulerson said, according to Dopirak. “…I really loved it at Tennessee, but I’m going to go to a place where I have a better chance to play.”